Can opener



R. E. M LEAN June 30, 1953 CAN OPENER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 4,1948 mlmm-ila niulamml lilliiliiiiuigiu n m M E n 8 w B.

ATTORNEY R. E. M LEAN June 30, 1953 CAN OPENER 5 Sheets-Sheei FiledMarch 4, 1948 INVENTOR. E. MPL ea'n Robert ATTORNEY June 30, 1953 R. E.MOLEAN 2,643,451

CAN OPENER Filed March 4, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet s IN VEN TOR.

lgwrtE. MLean ATTORNEY- June 30, 1953 C EAN 2,643,451

' CAN OPENER Filed March 4, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIQ, 16.

VENTOR.

Robert E. M Lean ATTORNEY June 30, 1953 R. E. MCLEAN CAN OPENER 5Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 4, 1948 III/ 1 5g ar/ Ill-ll INVENTOR. RogertEM Lean W ATTORNEY Patented June 30, 1953 CAN OPENER Robert E. McLean,Columbus, Ga., assignor to John C. Hockery, Kansas City, Mo., as trusteeApplication March 4, 1948, Serial N 0. 12,910

14 Claims. (Cl. 30-9) This invention relates generally to the class ofcan opening devices and is directed particularly to improvements in canopeners of the rotary drive wheel type.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved can openerof the rotary drive wheel type, which employs a single operating elementin the form of a crank for effecting the puncturing of the end of thecan upon clockwise rotation of such crank or handle and also rotates thecan driving wheel to feed the can through the device to cut out the endof the can and upon subsequent partial counterclockwise rotation of suchsingle operating handle or crank, separates the can driving wheel fromthe overlying cutter to release the can from the device and prepare thedevice for the reception of the next can.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel carrier for a diskcutter, which is simple, strong and rigid and which is provided with anintegral fixed can rest and a novel, simple and inexpensive resilientcan rest particularly adapted for use with the form of opener hereinparticularly described and which also is adapted for use in associationwith other can opener structures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel carrier for a diskcutter which is mounted for movement in association with a fixed elementforming a part of the body plate of the opener device, which fixedelement maintains the cutter carrier in rigid alinement in relation tothe body plate of the can opener to permit the rearward end of thecutter carrier, on which the disk cutter is relatively centrally mountedon an arbor secured in the cutter carrier, to be swung inwardly slightlyagainst resilient means when necessary, such as when the seam portion ofthe side wall of the can is passing between the can driving wheel andthe disk cutter.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel resilientcan rest, for operation in association with a disk cutter carrier,forwardly of the disk cutter and which has movement only in a verticalplane.

Still another object of the invention isto provide a novel disk cuttercarrier of the character stated in which no part thereof, including aresilient means which maintains the disk cutter adjacent to the candrivingwheel, extends outwardly to such an extent as to interfere withthe locating or operation of any other part on the i stated, which issimple to manufacture, inexpensive and can be easily installed on thecan opener in assembly.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved thrustmechanism for effecting the puncturing of the can head by the cutterautomatically upon clockwise rotation of a single operating handle orcrank which also, upon continued rotation, rotates the can driving wheelto feed the can through the device as hereinbefore set forth.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent asthe description of the same proceeds and the invention will be bestunderstood from a consideration of the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of thespecification, with the understanding, however, that the invention isnot to be limited to the exact details of construction shown anddescribed since obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled inthe art.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of the outer or right hand side ofa can opener constructed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention, a portion of the supporting arm being broken away andthe outer end of the operating handle or crank being broken away, theparts shown being in the position which they assume when the opener isready to receive a can.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the driving shaft cuttransversely at the inner side of the thrust mechanism operatingeccentric and link, the parts shown being in the position which theyassume when the operating crank has been turned clockwise to effect themovement of the zlriving wheel into-working relation with the cut-Figure 3 is a view in top plan of the opener device.

Figure 4 is a view in elevation of the inner or left hand side of thecan opener with the can rim engaging driving wheel raised into workingrelation with the cutter.

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on theline 55 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is avertical transverse section taken substantially on the line-6-6 of Figure 2.

Figure 7 is a-view in elevation of the right hand side of a secondembodiment of the invention, with the operating crank or handle, theeccentric thrust unit and slotted link and other parts being removed.

Figures-is a-view'in elevation ofthe left hand 3 side of the secondembodiment, the disk cutter carrier such as that shown in Figure 4,being re-- moved.

Figure 9 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on theline 99 of Figure '7 and through a portion of the operating handle, theeccentric thrust unit and a part of the bearing for the latter.

Figure 10 is a view corresponding to Figure 7 but showing a modificationwherein a compensating link is employed to enable a use of a smallereccentric thrust than that shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a view corresponding to Figure 7 but showing a modificationof the structure providing for reverse oscillation of the eccentricbearing shown in Figure 7.

Figure 12 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a thirdembodiment of the invention with the operating handle in startingposition.

Figure 13 is a view in elevation of the left hand side of the structureillustrated in Figure 12 showing the can rim engaging driving wheel inlowered position, the disk cutter carrier unit being removed.

Figure 14 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on theline I l-l4 of Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on theline l5-l5 of Figure 12.

Figure 16 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a fourthembodiment of the invention, the operating handle or crank being in astarting position.

Figure 17 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a fifthembodiment of the invention with the operating handle or crank instarting position.

Figure 18 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a sixthembodiment of the invention, the operating handle or crank being instarting position wherein the can rim engaging driving wheel is loweredwith respect to the cutter,

Referring to the drawings and particularly to the embodiment of theinvention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 the numeral it generallydesignates the body plate of the can opener which, as shown, is ofsubstantially rectangular outline and is formed integrally with an armH, the inner end of which is adapted to be secured in a suitable mannerto a support.

Upon its outer or right hand side, the body plate has secured theretoadjacent to the top edge, a pivot rivet [2 which passes through andsupports for vertical oscillation an end of a link plate which isgenerally designated l3, supporting such plate for oscillation at theside of the body. This link plate [3 has the recess M in the forwardedge and below the recess the plate has the forwardly projecting portionl5 which is pivotally attached, by the rivet I6, to an end of a thrustlink H.

The body plate Ii) has formed therein the short substantially verticallyextending elliptical opening 18 over which lies an end of the link I?for cooperative connection with the hereinafter described element whichpasses through the opening [8.

The lower forward part of the link plate 13 is pressed outwardly to beoif-set from the adjacent side of the body plate 10, as indicated at Hi,to provide clearance between the link plate and the body, for the lowerend of the thrust link l1.

At its rear end the link plate [3 has the relative- 1y long arcuate slot20 formed therein, the arc of which is struck from the center of thepivot l2.

Fixed in and extending through the body plate I0 is a rivet shank 2|which extends through the slot 20 of the plate I3 and has securedthereto the flanged head 22 which, as shown in Figure 6, has an overalldiameter greater than the width of the slot 20 whereby it engages theouter face of the plate to maintain the latter closely in positionagainst the side of the body plate it. At its other end the shank 2| isenlarged, as indicated at 23, and terminates in the enlarged integralhead 24. Accordingly it will be apparent that the link plate l3oscillates upon the pivot rivet l2 and its extent of oscillation isdetermined or limited by the length of the slot 20 in which the reducedportion of the attached head 22 on the rivet 2| engages.

Upon the inner or left hand side of the body plate I0 is positioned thedrive wheel supporting plate which is generally designated 25. Thisplate comprises a relatively large circular rear end portion 26 and therelatively narrow forwardly extending portion 21 which lies across theopening l8, as shown in Figure 4.

In line with the opening iii, the plate 25 has formed therethrough thetapped opening 26 and extending through and engaging in this opening 28is the threaded portion 29 of a relatively long bearing sleeve orjournal 33 which passes through the opening it of the body plate asshown in Figure 5. The inner end of the eccentric journal 36 is enlargedto provide the head 3! which bears against the inner side of the drivewheel supporting plate 25.

At the opposite side of the body plate it the journal 39 passes throughthe upper end of the thrust link i? and through the cut-out or recess 14which is formed in the forward edge of the thrust plate I3.

Passing through the journal 30 is the shaft 32 and fixed upon the innerend of the shaft is the peripherally toothed can rim engaging drivingwheel 33 which engages against the head 3! of the journal. The oppositeend of the shaft 32 and of the journal 30 project a substantial distanceto the right beyond the thrust plate H: to have the following partsmounted thereon.

The outer end of the shaft 32 is reduced as indicated at 34 and engagesin a suitable opening in the end of the crank or lever 35. This reducedend 34 may be of squared cross section to engage in a correspondinglyformed opening in the lever whereby to prevent any turning on the shaft.

Eccentrically mounted upon the journal 30 is an eccentric 36 which isdesigned to turn freely around the sleeve journal 30. The eccentric 33is positioned between the two spacer disks 3? one of which positionsagainst the adjacent side of the crank 35 and these disks, the eccentricand the crank are all secured together by the rivet at.

As shown in Figure 5 the diameters of the spacer disks 3? are the samebut they are materially greater than the diameter of the eccentric 36and encircling the eccentric 35 to turn thereon is an eccentric ring orstrap 39 which forms an integral part of one end of a slotted link til.This link 40 extends in a general direction rearv-iardly from the shaft32 and it has formed therein the relatively long longitudinallyextending substantially Lshaped slot 4!, the long arm of the slotrunning lengthwise of the link and the right angularly directed shortarm extending transversely of the link at the rear end thereof as shownin Figure 1.

Engaging in the slot 4| is a pin 42 which is carried by the adjacentlink plate i3. The width of this slot, both in the long and short armsthereof, is materially greater than the diameter of the pin ii? and alsothe short arm of the slot 4| is directed downwardly.

Encircling the eccentric 36 and interposed between the eccentric strap39 and the adjacent spacer disk 3?, is an annular corrugated spring at.This spring is tightly positioned between the parts t oned so as tomaintain a relatively strong frictional engagement between the ring 3?;and the disk 37 against which it bears so that upon turning of the crank3-5 the link 40 will he turned or swung within the limits permitted bythe part of the slot 4| in which the pin 42 is ene s d.

Formed integrally with the plate 25 directly below the can rim engagingdriving wheel 33, is the laterally extending can rest 44. This can restis engaged by the side of a can when the latter is fixed to the cutter,whereby the can is maintained in proper position for engagement by thedriving wheel and the cutter about to be described.

Formed integrally with the inner or left hand side of the body plate It,adjacent to the top edge and at the forward end thereof, is therearwardly directed guide lip 45. This guide lip has engaged between itand the body plate It, the forward end of the cutter wheel supportingplate The rear end of thisplate 45 is supported upon the pin ll, one endof which pin is secured to the body plate. The pin extends laterally tothe left and terminates in a head 48 between which and the cuttercarrying plate 46 it supports under compression, the coil spring :29.

At its forward end the cutter disk supporting plate 4-3 has formedintegral therewith the laterally projecting vertically spaced ears 53and These ears have the lip 45 engaged therebetween as shown in Figure 4so that vertical movement of the plate 45 is thus prevented.

Disposed beneath the lower ear 5|] is a can rest 52 which has a hubportion 53 which ex-= tends upwardly through an opening in the ear 5t.Above the ear 55 this hub is continued by the reduced stem 54 whichpasses through a suitable opening in the upper ear 5| and has fixedthereto the rivet head or cap 55. Between the ears 5% and 55 the hubextension 54 carries the coil spring 56, the upper end of which bearsagainst the under side of the ear 5| while the lower end bears againstthe upper end of the hub 53 thereby resisting upward movement of the huband the can rest 52.

Immediately rearwardly of the can rest 52 and the ear the loweredge ofthe plate 46 is struck outwardly to provide the inclined off-set port onbest seen in Figure 5. This off-set portion has fixed thereto the pivotstud 58, the outer end of which carries the enlarged head 59. Rotatablysupported upon this stud 58 is a relatively long hub sleeve til whichforms an integral part of a disk or circular cutter 6|. Thus, because ofthe inclination of the out struck portion 51, the plane or the diskcutter 6| isoblique to the side face of the wheel 33 against Which thewall of the can engages and this wheel when moved upwardly passes acrossand in close proximity to the right hand side of the cutter wheel.

At the inner end of the cutter supporting plate there extends laterallyto the left from the lower edge of the plate the can flange rest 62which cooperates with the yieldable or resilient rest 52 in engaging thetop edge of the rim or flange of a can when the can :is placed in cut- 6ting position and has the head thereof penetrated by the cutter 6 I.

In the operation of the embodiment just described the operating handle35 is first placed in the extreme rearwardly directed position asillustrated in Figure 1 if it is not already in such position, bycounterclockwise rotation. The rivet 2| prevents furthercounterclockwise oscillation of the plate l3 beyond the positionillustrated in Figure 1. Since the stud 42 is engaged in the shorterportion of the transversely extending leg of the L-shaped slot 4| duringsuch counterclockwise oscillation of the plate l3, the operating handleor crank and the eccentric 33 secured thereto cannot be furtheroscillated counterclockwise. Friction exerted by the spring 43 tends tocause the slotted link 43 to rotate with the eccentric unit 3%. However,such friction is predetermined and need be only sufiicient to properlyovercome the weight of the outer end of the slotted link. With the partsa shown in Figure l the can driving wheel 33 will be in its loweredposition due to the action of the plate 53 and the link I? which supportthe bearing journal 30.

The can is then held with its upper end against the edge of the diskcutter 5| and with the rim or flange thereof above the toothed edge ofthe driving wheel 33. The operating handle is then rotated clockwiseresulting in the raising of the wheel 33, the puncturing of the can headby the cutter El and the cutting out of the can head by continuedrotation of the crank.

When the can is first positioned as described, during approximately thefirst half turn clockwise of the operating crank 35, the oscillatablelink plate l3 and the link H are moved from the position shown in Figure1 to the position shown in Figure 2, thereby elevating the can drivingwheel as stated and causing, upon turning of the crank, the rotation ofthe can by the driving wheel.

The eccentric disk 36, through the slotted link 43 causes a requiredoscillation of the thrust plate |3. Inasmuch as the parts will then bein the position illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the axis of the pivotrivet it is slightly forward of a straight line across the axis of thepivot rivet l2 and the axis of the can driving wheel shaft 32 andfurther clockwise oscillation of the plate I3 is prevented by themovement limiting rivet 2|, the journal 3c is maintained in the positionillustrated in Figure 2 until the plate I3 is oscillatedcounterclockwise.

During the upward movement of the can driving wheel 33 and the can, thecan rim engages the fixed can rest and the resilient can rest 52,slightly elevating the latter against the predetermined tension of thespring 55. Further clockwise rotation of the operating handle 35 causesthe can driving wheel to feed the can through the device to cut out theend of the can. However, such further clockwise rotation of theoperating handle does not change the position of the oscillating platel3 inasmuch as the slotted portion of the link 40 merely reciprocates onthe stud 42 as the eccentric 36 rotates with the operating handle. Asthe can is fed through the device, the disk cutter 6| can be forced awayfrom the can driving wheel 33, laterally, against the tension of thespring 49, a predetermined amount when necessary, such as when passingthe seam of the side wall of the can. However, the very slight swingingmovement of the disk cutter carrier 46 required for such purpose is notsufiicient to afiect the alinement of the disk cutter carrier in theguide flange 45 at the forward end of the body plate. The tension of thespring 56 is such as to provide adequate traction of the teeth of thecan driving wheel 33 with the under edge of the rim of the can.

The can guard 44 maintains the side of the can .a predetermined distanceaway from the lower surface of the can driving wheel.

When the end has been cut from the can and the operating handle isrotated counterclockwise to its extreme position to release the can fromthe device and prepare the device for reception of another can, initialcounterclockwise rotation of the eccentric unit 36 causes the slottedlink 40 to rotate therewith until further rotation is prevented byengagement of the stud or pin 42 with the lower edge of the slot throughwhich it extends. When the stud 42 engages in the short arm of the slot4|, further counterclockwise rotation of the eccentric unit through theslotted link ii, oscillates the plate [3 to the position illustrated inFigure 1, thereby lowering the can driving wheel 33 and releasing thecan from the device, the operating handle 35 assuming an out of the wayposition, as illustrated in Figure 1, without unnecessary turning uponcompletion of the operation of opening a can. Although rotation of theoperating handle may be reversed from any possible position of thehandle, less counterclockwise rotation thereof is required to releasethe can from the device if such rotation is commenced when the operatinghandle is in approximately a forwardly extended position. The operatinghandle is in a position approximately straight downward, where themaximum leverage is had by the operator, at the time the end of the canis actually punctured.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention withregard particularly to the movable thrust plate and the driving wheelcarrying plate.

In this second embodiment the disk cutter can rier of exactly the sameform or character as that shown in Figure 4 and generally designated 43,is employed out such carrier and the parts connected therewith are notillustrated.

Also an eccentric mechanism of the same character as that shown inFigures 1 and 5 is employed out is of slightly increased size as will bemore particularly hereinafter pointed out.

In the structure of Figures 7 and 9 inclusive,

the body plate is generally designated 63 and has formed integral withits forward end at the top edge, the backwardly turned lip or guideflange E i which functions in the same manner as the flan e d5 incooperation with the cutter unit, in Figure 4.

In place of the elliptical opening l8 which is employed in the firstembodiment, the body plate i365 has formed therein the circular bearingopening E5 in which is mounted, for turning movement, the eccentric disk66. This disk is of approximately the same thickness as the body plate53 and turnsin the plane of the plate.

The eccentric disk 66 has the eccentric opening 5! through which extendsthe sleeve journal 68 in which is rotatably supported the crank anddriving wheel shaft 69.

Also ecc-entrically engaged in an opening in the eccentric disk 56 is anend of a pivot stud or rivet iii which has its other end secured in thesliding link I! which is of substantial length and extends This link, atits forward end,

has formed therein the relatively wide arcuate slot 12 which is struckfrom the center of the rivet Til. Through this extend the sleeve journal68 and the shaft 59 as shown in Figure 7.

At the rear end of the body plate 63 the body plate has formed thereinthe relatively long elliptical slot 13 which extends lengthwise of thebody plate and in this slot is slidably engaged a sliding pivot pin Mwhich is secured to the rear end of the sliding link H as shown inFigure 7. This pin carries the large head l5 upon its opposite or innerend, which extends across the slot '53, as shown in Figure 8, to holdthe pin against escape from the slot.

Intermediate its ends the sliding link if carries the laterallyextending stud it with which is engaged an eccentrically operatedslotted link which is not illustrated out which is of the same form orconstruction as the link ii) shown in Figure 1, the stud l6 engaging inthe L-shaped slot of the link as shown in this figure.

Figure 9 illustrates in radial section the eccentric bearing ll withwhich is coupled the slotted link, not shown, and which bearingcorresponds to the eccentric bearing or disk 35 as shown in Figure 5.Also in this fi ure the numeral i8 designates the pair of spacer diskswhich are of greater diameter than the eccentric ii and between whichthe eccentric is located while the numeral '59 designates the rivetwhich functions to secure the disks '58, the eccentric "i? and the crank39 together in a unit. Encircling the eccentric '5? is the ring 3! whichforms an integral part of the slotted iink, not shown, and between thisring and the disk 78 nearest to the crank 88 is interposed the annular,corrugated spring 82 which is of the same form as the spring ithereinhefore described.

On the opposite side of the body plate from the sliding link ii is thedrive wheel carrying plate which is generally designated 85. This plateis of the same form as the plate 25 in that it comprises the relativelylarge substantially circular rear end portion 8:3 and the forwardly e23-tending portion 85.

Extending from the center of the circular portion 8d rearwardly, is theelliptical, horizontal slot 36 and slidably engaged in this slot 86 is astud d? which is fixed to the oody plate 3 at one end. At its other endthe stud has the large head 88 which engages against the side of theplate 83 remote from the body plate to maintain the plate in positionagainst the body plate.

The forward end of the portion 35 of the drive wheel carrying plate 83extends across the eccentric disk 65 and is provided with a tappedopening 89 in which is threadably engaged the threaded left hand end ofthe sleeve journal 68, as shown in Figure 9. Also as shown in thisfigure the left hand end of the journal has the head 58 which ispositioned between the extension and the cam rim engaging driving wheelwhich is secured to the left hand end of the shaft 69. Below the drivingwheel 9i the portion 85 of the plate 83 carries the laterally extendingcan rest 92 which iunctions in the same manner as the rest M, previcuslyreferred to. HAS preqviously started, except for size, the eccent lc ass own in i i ure 9 together with the slotted link and the operatinghandle, are essentially the same as those shown in the first embodimentand operate in the same manner, the slotted link b ng connected with thestud l6 carried by the 1id mg link H.

The can driving wheel 91 is shown in Figure 8 in elevated position. Inaddition to having slight oscillatory movement, the can driving wheelsupporting plate 85 has some movement longitudinally of the body plate.

The sleeve bearing 68 is borne in the eccentric disk 65 for oscillatorymovement therein and this disk can be oscillated approximately 90counterclockwise from the position in which it is illustrated in Figure7. The ends of the slot 12 limit the clockwise and counterclockwiseoscillation of the eccentric disk 66 in its bearing in the body plateand also limit the movement of the can driving wheel supporting plate 85and slide H longitudinally of the body plate.

When. the can driving wheel ti is in the low ered position, in whichposition it will be upon completion of the operation of opening the can,the eccentric disk 65 will be oscillated counterclockwise approximately90 from the position illustrated in Figure 7. As the can is held withits upper end against the disk cutter, not shown, the operating handleis rotated clockwise and during approximately the first half turn of theoperating handle 88, the slide ll is moved to the position illustratedin Figure '7 thereby oscillating the eccentric disk to the positionillustrated in this figure and elevating the can driving wheel ill tocause the disk cutter, not shown, to puncture the end of the can.Continued turning of the crank continues rotation of the driving wheeland the driving wheel also moves rearwardly somewhat as the can is beingpunctured and the can will be rotated by the wheel until the operationof cutting out th head is complete.

The oscillation of the eccentric disk 66 in its bearing in the bodyplate, is facilitated by the action had by the operating handle in thata rearward thrust is exerted on the axis of the bearing 68 at the sametime that a forward thrust is exerted on the axis of the rivet pin itduring clockwise rotation of the operating handle and a forward thrustis exerted on the axis of the bearing 63 at the same time that arearward thrust is exerted on the axis of the rivet pin it duringcounterclockwise rotation of the operating handle. Further clockwiserotation of the operating handle feeds the can through the device to cutthe end out of the can, upon completion of which the operating handle isrotated counterclockwise to its extreme position to release the can andprepare the device for the reception of the next can.

Figure 10. illustrates a slight modification of the sliding link elementH as shown in Figure 7. This modified construction of the link isprovided to enable use of a smaller eccentric thrust unit than the oneshown in Figure 9. as, for ex,- ample, the unit shown in Figure 5.

In Figure 10 the link corresponding to the ling ll of Figure 7, isgenerally designated lid and at its forward end it has an arcuate slot12d through which extends the sleeve journal 68a and the shaft 69a.extending through the journal.

The link lid is relatively short and its rear end portion 'Hb islaterally off-set for the insertion between the rear end of the link andthe adjacent body plate which is designated 63a, of an end of asubstantially vertical compensating link 93. The lower end of the link93 is pivotally coupled to the oifset portion Nb of the link Ha, by therivet ti while the other end of the link 93 is pivotally attached, bythe pivot rivet E to the upper part of the body plate 63a as shown.Substantially midway between the ends of the link 93, the link carriesthe stud 96 10 which engages in the L-shaped slot of the eccentricoperated link, not shown, corresponding to the link 40.

The numeral 91 designates the rivet which extends through the slotcorresponding to the slot 86 of a drive wheel carrying plate positionedupon the opposite side of body 6811 and corresponding to the plate 83.

The modified structure of Figure 10 is operated in the same manner asthat described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to9, the stud 96 serving the same purpose, as stated, as the stud I6 shownin Figure 7. The compensating link 83 permits use of a smaller eccentricsecured to the operating handle, not shown, than is possible where thestud, for cooperation with the slotted link, not shown, is anchored inthe slide H of Figure 7.

Figure 11 illustrates another modification of the slide linkconstruction illustrated in Figure 7, the structure here shown beingprovided for reverse oscillation of the eccentric here desig nated as662). The can driving wheel shaft 6% and the sleeve journal 681) areshown in the elevated position corresponding to the position of thedriving wheel shaft 69 and bearing 68 in Figure 7. The sliding link isdesignated llb and as shown the arcuate slot 122) is moved rearwardlythrough an arc of approximately so that the bearing sleeve 68b is in theforward end of this slot when the shaft and driving wheel are elevated.The eccentric 66b is oscillated approximately 90 from the position inwhich it is illustrated in Figure 11, clockwise, to lower the candriving wheel which is carried by the shaft 591). The ends of the slot121) limit the clockwise and counterclockwise oscillation of theeccentric 66b in its bearing in the body plate 631) and also limit themovement of the can driving wheel which is supported by a plate, notshown, corresponding to the plate 83.

Use is made with the structure shown in Figure 11, of a slightlymodified link which is here shown in dotted outline and generallydesignated 42b of the type illustrated in Figures 25 and 26 of myco-pending application Serial No. 744,393, filed April 28, 1947. Inassociation with this slotted link use may be made of the eccentricthrust unit corresponding to the structure as shown in Figures 5 and 9and of the same size as that illustrated in Figure 9. In the use of suchslotted link the stud 98 is carried by the link Hb for engagement in theslot of the slotted link or, if desired, use may be made of acompensating link of the character shown in Figure 10 in which case theslide link '1 lb would be suitably shortened as illustrated inconnection with link Ha of Figure 10.

In this construction the end of a can is fully punctured before the candriving wheel, not shown but similar to and carried by the same type ofsupport as the structure shown in Figure 8, commences feeding the canthrough the device to cut the end out of the can. Also, as the bearing6% engages the end of the slot 12b when the can driving wheel has beenelevated to its operating position, the normal operational thrust whichtends to move the can driving wheel shaft 69bv forward as the end isbeing out out of the can, cannot oscillate the eccentric 6619 furthercounterclockwise than the position illustrated in Figure 11,. Themodified slotted link 42!), which increases the distance between theaxis of the bearing 68b and the axis of the stud 98 to elevate the candriving wheel, is used with this device in lieu of that illustrated inFigure 1. Obviously, the compensating link 93, as previously stated, isequally adaptable to this device.

Figures 12 to 15 inclusive illustrate a third embodiment. In thisembodiment the body plate is generally designated 03c and adjacent tothe forward end thereof this plate has therein the vertical ellipticalslot 99. Rearwardly from this elliptical slot 99 is the longitudinallyextending relatively large cam slot I and between the slots 99 and I00is the pivot rivet IOI, which is anchored in the body plate and on whichis mounted for oscillation the can driving wheel supporting plate I02.

The plate I02 is of substantial length as shown and has a relativelylarge rear end portion I03 which extends across or overlies the rearslot I00 and the narrow forward end'portion I04 which extends across thevertical elliptical opening or slot 99.

In the rear end portion I03 the plate I02 has the arcuate camming slotI05 which is directed substantially obliquely across the straight slotI00.

At the opposite right hand side of the body plate 630 is the slide platewhich is generally designated I06. This plate comprises a large forwardend portion I0'I which overlies the elliptical slot 99 and the rear endportion I08 which overlies the body plate slot I00. This rear endportion of the slide has secured therein the pivot rivet I09 which, asshown in Figure 15, has an enlarged portion III] which extends laterallythrough the two slots I00 and I05. This portion IIO of the rivet I09carries, in the plane of the body plate 630, a roller III which snuglyengages in the body plate slot I00. Also carried upon the enlargedportion IIO of the rivet I09 is a larger roller II2 which engages in thearmate camming slot I05 of the drive wheel carrying plate I02.

The slide I06 has formed therein adjacent to the forward end, therelatively long slot II3 which extends in a direction lengthwise of thebody plate 630 and intersects the elliptical slot 99.

Threaded in the tapped opening II4 which is formed in the drive wheelcarrying plate portion I04, in line with the slot 99, is the threadedportion II5 of the sleeve. journal IE6. This journal extends outwardlyor to the right through the slot 99 and through the slot II3 which isformed in the slide I06. The end of the journal IIB which is adjacent tothe threaded portion H5, is formed to provide the spacing head II! bymeans of which the can rim engaging driving wheel II8 is maintained inthe proper spaced relation with the plate I02 and for proper coactionwith the cutter which is carried by a unit of the same form as thatillustrated in Figures 3 and 4 and secured to the top part of the bodyplate 63'. This cutter wheel carrying unit has not been illustrated inFigure 13 in view of the fact that it is exactly of the same form andconstruction as shown in Figures 3 and 4 and for that reason it isbelieved that the operation of the parts in association therewith willbe clearly understood without such illustration.

The can rim engaging driving wheel H8 is carried on the usual shaft II9which extends through the sleeve journal or bearing and has secured toits outer or right hand end the enlarged disk end I20 which forms anintegral part of the operating handle or crank I2I.

Encircling the outer end of the journal II6 is a spacer sleeve I22 whichhas an outwardly turned flange I23 at its inner end, which bears againstthe adjacent side of the plate I00. The other end of the spacer sleeveI22 abuts the adjacent side of the part I20 of the crank. Encircling ortelescoped upon spacer I22 is a coil spring I24, one end of which bearsagainst the flange I23 while the other end seats against the operatinghandle.

Formed integral with the lower edge of the smaller forward end portionI04 of the plate I92, is the laterally directed can rest I25. This isdisposed directly beneath the driving wheel IIS and functions as in thecase of the rest 92 and the rest 44, to maintain the can in the properposition with respect to the wheel I I8.

The forward top corner of the slide I05 carries the laterally outwardlydirected flange I26 and beneath this flange the side plate has securedthereto the rivet I21 upon which is mounted for oscillation, a pawl I28.This pawl has a lip I20 formed integral with the edge thereof whichengages the downturned edge of the flange I29 so that the pawl is heldagainst forward swinging movement beyond the position shown in FigureWhen in this position the pawl is directed downwardly and rearwardly forthe purpose hereinafter described.

The numeral I30 designates a spring, one end of which is secured to theflange I26 above the pawl. This spring curves down and beneath the rivetI27 and is secured to the pawl I28 rearwardly of the rivet as shown sothat the spring constantly tends to urge the pawl to swing forwardly tothe position where the lip I29 engages the end of the flange I26.

The slide plate portion I07 has struck therefrom and turned outwardlytoward the disk portion I20 of the crank, the flange I3I. As shown inFigure 12, the upper end portion of this flange is in spaced relationwith and also directly in alinement longitudinally of the body platewith the lower race of the pawl I 28.

' The portion I20 of the crank has secured thereto the pivot rivet I32which is directed toward the slide I06 and rotatably mounted upon thisrivet I32 is journaled the roller I33 the larger part of which isconfined in the space between the rear end of the pawl I28 and the stopflange ISI, when the operating crank or handle I2I is swung back to theposition shown in Figure 12, where the parts are disposed in positionready for the application of a can to the cutter.

In the operation of this third embodiment, when the handle is in theposition shown in Figure 12 the parts will be, as above stated, set toreceive a can by which is meant that the driving wheel I I8 will be inthe lowered position with respect to the cutter, not shown, asillustrated in Figure 13. The can is then placed in position with theflange thereof on the top of the driving wheel I I8 and the side of thecan resting against the rest I25 whereupon the crank I2I is turnedclockwise. During approximately the first one quarter turn of the crankor operating handle, the operating handle, through engagement of theroller I33 with the forward side of the flange I3I which is carried bythe slide I06, moves the slide rearwardly from the position in which itis shown in Figure 12. Inasmuch as the rollers III and H2 are journaledon the pivot I09 which is anchored in the slide I06, these rollers aresimultaneously moved to the rear ends of their respective cam slots I00and I05, thereby oscillating the can wheel supporting plate I02 on thepivot IOI which is anchored to the body plate, to elevate 13' the candriving wheel and efiect the puncture of the end of the can by theoverlying cutter, not shown. Continued. clockwise rotation of theoperating handle rotates the can driving wheel iit to feed the canthrough the device for the cutting out of the end of the can. Duringsuch continued clockwise rotation of the operating handle, the rolleri313 runs off the lower end of the flange i539 and engages the pawl 52%,flipping the pawl counterclockwise against the tension of thecomparatively light spring H38, on its pivot rivet 527, the pawlreturning to its illustrated position after the roller E33 has passed.

The slots its and 1% are so cammed that the slide tilt cannot be movedrearwardly by any thrust exerted on. the can driving wheel.

The spring i213 also exerts some pressure on the flange of the sleeve122 which tends to retain the slide I85 statically in any position.

When the end has been cut out of the can and the operating handle isrotated counterclockwise, the operating handle through engagement of theroller E33 with the pawl E28 moves the slide I655 from its rearwardposition to the position shown in Figure 12, thereby releasing the canfrom the device and preparing the device for the reception of the nextcan.

Figure 16 illustrates the right hand side of a fourth embodiment. Inthis embodiment the body plate is generally designated 63d. This bodyplate is of the same form as in the other embodiments illustrated anddescribed, as will be readily seen and the cutter carrying unitillustrated in Figures 1-3 and 4: will be employed in connection withthis and the succeeding two embodiments of the invention.

The numeral res designates the substantially vertical elliptical slotwhich is formed through the forward end of the body plate. Through thisslot extends the sleeve journal lilii, correspondwith the journal lid,and through the journal extends the drive wheel supporting shaft I35.

Except for obvious differences and dimensions, distances between partsand contours of the camrned solts in the body plate and the oscillatingcan driving wheel supporting plate, the body plate and all parts on theinner or left hand side or this embodiment are of the same form andconstruction as illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15.

The can driving wheel supporting plate, not shown but corresponding toplate W2, is pivotally supported upon the rivet 53?.

The numeral 833 generally designates an oscillatory plate having a pivotrivet Etta anchored therein and on which are journaled two rollers, oneonly of which is indicated in dotted outline at 539. The second roller,not shown, which cor responds to the roller H2, lies upon the oppositeside of the body plate and engages the can wheel carrying plate, notshown. These two rollers may be of equal diameter or either may be oflarger diameter than the other as desired.

The roller its positions in the arcuate slot M3 which is formed in thebody plate and concentrio with this arcuate cam slot the body plate hassecured thereto a pivot rivet Mi which extends through elliptical slotM2 of the pivoted plate H38. The long axis of this slot [32 is in linewith the axis of the rivet 53350:. By the formation of the cammed slotHill of the body plate @303 substantially on the radius of the axis ofthe pivot rivet Ml, the plate Hi8 has substantially an oscillatorymovement. However, the elliptical slot i l-2 permits the roller 139 toalways seat in the cammed slot Hill. As will be 14 readily apparent, theends of the cai nmed slot I40 limit the oscillation of the plate itthrough the engagement of the roller I38 with said ends of the slot.

The second roller, not shown, which is adjacent to and co-axial with theroller I39, rolls in a slot formed in the rearward end of an oscillatingcan driving wheel supporting plate, not shown, similar to the slot 35 ofthe plate m2 shown in Figure 13. Such slot will, however, be cammed asrequired to effect the desired vertical movement of the can drivingWheel.

The numeral I43 designates a stud which is anchored in the plate !3B forthe same purpose as the stud 42 of the first embodiment shown in Figurel. The other parts relating to the slotted link which is generallydesignated M4 are of the same form as the structure shown in Figure l,the link engaging the stud [43 to effect the de= sired oscillation ofthe plate 138 upon turning of the crank M5.

It will be readily apparent that the embod ment shown in Figure 16 isoperated in the same manner as the first embodiment. Upon comple= tionof the operation of opening the can, all of the parts will beapproximately in the position shown in Figure 16. When the can is placedin the cutter and the handle [45 is turned clockwise, duringapproximately the first one-half turn of the crank or operating handle,the eccentric unit with which the link IM- is connected oscillates theplate I38 from the position shown in Figure 16 to a position wherein theroller ltd is in the forward end of the cammed slot Mil. Inasmuch as.the other roller, not shown, but corresponding to the roller H2 shown inFigures 13 and i5, is also moved from. the rearward to the forward endof the cammed slot which is in the rearward end of the can driving wheelsupporting plate, corresponding to plate I02 of Figure 13 except for thecontour of the cammed slot, the can driving wheel supporting plate isoscillated thereby elevating the can driving wheel and puncturing theend of the can. Continued clockwise rotation of the operating handleoperates the driving wheel to feed the can through the device as will bereadily understood. Reverse operation or rotation of the operatinghandle to the extreme position then releases the can from the device,leaving the parts in the position illustrated in Figure 16.

Figure 1'2 is a view of the right hand side of a fifth embodiment of theinvention wherein the body plate is generally designated 63c andadjacent its forward end has therein the vertical elliptical slot I45through which ex ends the sleeve journal E 3! which in turn hasextending therethrough the shaft hi3, such parts corre sponding to thepreviously described journal and shaft parts shown in Figures 5, 9 and1%.

With this embodiment as with the embodiment shown in Figure 16 there maybe employed the cutter unit shown in Figures 3 and 4 and the can drivingwheel supporting plate Hi2 shown in Figure. 13 and other associatedparts lying upon the left hand side of the device, except for necessarydifferences in dimensions and the elimination of the cammed slots in thebody plate and the oscillating can driving wheel supporting plate.

The numeral 49 generally designates a plate having therein the arcuatecamming slot ifiii which is pivoted to the rearward end of the candriving wheel supporting plate, not shown, by the pivot rivet [51. Thispivot rivet it! extends through the arcuate slot I52 which is formed inthe body plate 63s. The numeral I53 designates a roller which works inthe cammed slot I56 and which is journaled on the pivot rivet I54 whichis anchored in the body plate 63c. Rocking movement of the plate I49 islimited by the engagement of this roller in the ends of the slot in anobvious manner.

The numeral I55 designates a stud which is anchored in the plate HIS forthe same purpose as the stud 42 of the first embodiment shown in Figure1, namely, to facilitate the establishment of the necessary operativeconnection between the plate I 49 and the eccentric unit, connected withoperating handle I56 through the medium of the slotted link I57.

The numeral I58 designates the pivot rivet secured to the body plate 639upon'which is pivotally mounted upon the opposite or inner side of thebody plate, the can driving wheel carrying plate, not shown, with theinner end of which the.

rivet II is connected.

The operation of theembodiment shown in Figure 17 is the same as that oithe first embodiment shown in Figure 1 as well as the embodiment shownin Figure 16 and the description of the operation of the embodiment ofFigure 16 applie in all essentials to the operation of the embodiment ofFigure 17. Accordingly it will be understood that when the operatinghandle is turned clockwise it will effect through the slotted linkwhich. is in engagement with the stud I55, an oscillation of the plateits from the position in which it is shown in Figure 17 to a positionwherein th roller I53 is in the rearward end of the cammed slot I50.During this movement the axis of the pivot rivet I5I swings downwardlyon a radiu from the axis of the rivet I58 on which the can driving wheelsupporting plate, not shown, is pivoted for oscillation. In this form,it will be understood that such can driving wheel supporting plate,which is not shown, is not provided with a slot such as the slot I65 asthe rivet I 5| is anchored to the rearward end of such supporting plate.Such rivet I5I extends through the slot I52 in the body plate andaccordingly I oscillatory movement of the can driving wheel supportingplate elevates the driving wheel to puncture the end of the can.Continued rotation of the handle I56 then continues the operation ofcutting the head from the can and reverse rotation of the handlereverses the movement of the parts to restore them to the position shownin Figure 1'? where the driving wheel is lowered to a position where thecan can be removed from the cutter.

Figure 18 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment the body plate, which is generally designated 63f has formedtherein the vertically disposed elliptical slot I59 and rearwardly ofthis slot is the relatively long slot I6I which extends longitudinallyof the body plate as shown.

Disposed against the right side of thev plate and overlying the slotI6I, is the relatively long slide plate I62. lhis slide and all of theparts on the inner or left hand side of the body plate operate in thesame manner as the slide I66 and the drive wheel carrying plate I62. Themeans of converting the rotary motion of the operating handle I63 toreciprocal motion of the slide I62 constitutes the essential difierencebetween this embodiment and the third embodiment illustrated in Figures12 to inclusive.

The numeral I64 generally designates an oscillatable trigger link whichis pivoted to and swings on the axis of the pivot rivet I65 whichcorresponds to the pivot rivet I 69 of the structure shown in Figures 12to 15. Clockwise oscillation of the trigger link I64 is limited by thestud I65 which is anchored in the side of the slide I62.counterclockwise oscillation of the trigger link is limited by thesleeve bearing I67 which corresponds to the sleeve bearing I I6 andwhich moves in the body plate slot I59.

The rivet IE5 carries a roller I68, together with a second rolleradjacent thereto, not shown but corresponding to the roller H2 shown inFigure 15, this pivot rivet I65 extending through the slide I62 andbeing swaged in the retainer I69 in a manner corresponding to that shownin Figure 6. The escapement link I64 is oscillatably mounted on thesmaller diameter portion of this retainer I69.

The numeral I70 designates a spring, one end of which is secured to thestop pin or stud I66 while the other end is pivotally secured to thelink I64, in the aperture III. This spring supplements the action ofgravity in urging the forward end of the trigger link I66 downwardly.

Adjacent to the forward end, the oscillating escapement link I64 has anotch I72 formed in the bottom edge, in which may be engaged the pin I73 which is carried by the enlarged circular portion I74 of the handleI63.

In the slot I66 is positioned a pivot rivet I75 which supports upon theinner or left hand side of the body plate the can driving wheelsupporting plate, not shown. This supporting plate is of the same formas the plate I62 shown in Figure 13 and the right hand end of the rivetis swaged in a retainer I76 of the form illustrated in Figure 6.

In the operation of this embodiment, when the operating handle I63 is inthe rearwardly and downwardly directed position shown in Figure 18 theoscillatable drive wheel supporting plate will be lowered at its forwardend so that the drive wheel will be separated from the cutter to receivethe can rim flange. When the can rim flange is placed in position on thedriving wheel clockwise rotation is given the operating handle andduring approximately the first one quarter turn of the handle the linkI64, by reason of its connection with the handle through the medium ofthe pin I 73 engaged in the notch I 72, will be thrust rearwardlythereby moving the slide I62 to its rearward position. This will lowerthe link Hit and the forward end of the link will seat on the bearingsleeve I67 in such manner that further clockwise rotation of theoperating handle will cause the stud I73 to run out of or disengage fromthe notch I72 of the trigger link. As the operating handle I63 isfurther rotated clockwise, the stud I73 engages the under edge of thetrigger link, forwardly of the notch I72, and merely lifts the forwardend of the trigger link upwardly and then again lets it seat on thebearing sleeve I67. However, when the end has been cut out or" the canand the operating handle I63 is rotated counterclockwise, the stud I73engages in the notch I72 in such manner as to move the slide I62 to itsforward position and the operating handle cannot be further rotatedcounterclockwise. Rotation of the stud I73 during clockwise orcounterclockwise rotation of the operating handle I63 is such as toalways cause it to seat against the overlying edge portion of the notchI72 while said stud I73 is engaged in the notch of the trigger link I64.

17 I claim:

1. A can opener of the rotary drive wheel type comprising a body, a cantop cutter supported thereby on one side thereof, a rotary shaftextending transversely through the body, the body being formed to allowmovement of the shaft toward and away from the cutter, a can rim,engaging driving wheel carried on the shaft on the side of the bodyadjacent to the cutter for co-operative action with the cutter, a crankconnected with the end of the shaft on the side of the body oppositefrom the wheel and cutter, a plate movably connected to the body on thesaid opposite side of the body, a connection between said plate and saidwheel carrying shaft whereby movement of the plate to a predeterminedextent in one direction effects movement of the shaft and wheel relativeto the cutter, a member carried by said plate, and means for couplingthe crank and said member whereby turning of the crank in one directionwill impart movement to the plate through said member and move the plateto the said predetermined extent in the said one direcnon.

2. A can opener of the rotary drive whee type as set forth in claim 1,wherein said member and said coupling means comprise a link, aneccentric coupling between an of the link and the shaft, the eccentricbeing connected with and turned by the crank, the coupling between theother end of the link and said plate carried member permitting limitedlongitudinal movement of the link relative to the plate.

3. A can opener of the type set forth in claim 1, wherein the movementof said plate is a limited reciprocal movement in a plane parallelingthe adjacent side of the supporting body, said connection between theplate and wheel carrying shaft including an eccentric rotated by thecrank, said member comprising a stud, and said last means including alink having an angulated slot having the stud therein and adapted upon apredetermined turning of the eccentric to effect shifting of the plateand said connection between the same and the wheel carrying shaft and tothen permit free turning of the crank.

l. A can opener of the type described in claim 3, with a frictioncoupling between the eccentric and the slotted link by which swingingmovement is imparted to the slotted end of the link.

5. A can opener of the type described in claim 1, wherein the movementof said plate is pivotal, said plate below the pivot thereof beingrecessed to receive said shaft when the plate is swung downward, saidconnection coinprisin a thrust link pivotally secured at one end to theplate below the shaft, the other end of the thrust link being coupledwith the shaft, means limiting the downward swinging movement of theplate to a position where the pivotal connection between the thrust linkand the plate has its center moved across a line passing through thecenters of the shaft and the pivot for the plate, andsaid memher andlast named means between the crank and the plate being constructed andarranged to move the plate upon a predetermined turning of the crank toeffect the shifting of the plate downwardly to impart upward thrustagainst the thrust link and to then permit free turning of the crank.

6. A can opener of the character described in claim 1, with a disksupported by the body and having the shaft extending eccentricallytherethrough and supporting the same, a second plate movably supportedon the side of the body adja= cent to the cutter and coupled to theshaft, said driving wheel being carried upon the end of the shaftadjacent to said second plate, the movable plate connection to the bodyincluding an eccentric pivotal connection with said disk, a furtherconnection between the movable plate and the body for shifting movement,the crank connection with the shaft including an eccentric, and saidlast named means comprising an eccentric link connected at one end tothe eccentric and coupled at its other end with said member for limitedmovement relative to the member carrying movable plate and to impartshifting movement to the movable plate, and means limiting the turningof said disk.

7'. A can opener of the character stated in claim 6, wherein said meanslimiting the turning of the disk comprises an arcuate slot formed in thesaid movable plate concentric with the pivotal connection between themovable plate and the disk, the opposite ends of the slot functioning asstops for limiting the movement of the shaft in the slot.

8. A can opener of the character stated in claim 1, wherein the body hasa vertical elongate opening through which the shaft passes, a pivotedplate member having a portion extending across said opening, the shaftbeing rotatably supported on the pivoted plate member, the cam rimflange engaging wheel being upon the side of the pivoted plate memberremote from the body, said movable plate being slidable upon the side'of the body opposite from the pivoted plate member, means connectingthe movable plate and the sliding plate member, said connecting meansforming a cam whereby sliding movement of the movable plate effectsoscillation of the pivoted plate member, and means for effecting reversesliding movement of the movable plate upon reverse rotation of thecrank, the movement of the movable plate effecting movement of the shaftin said opening and movement of the can rim engaging wheel toward andaway from the cutter.

9. A can opener of the character stated in claim 8, wherein the saidmember carried by the movable plate comprises an abutment element, andthe means for coupling the crank and the plate carried abutment elementcomprises a roller member carried by the crank for engagement againstthe said element.

10. A can opener of the character stated in claim 8, wherein the saidmember carried by the movable plate comprises an abutment element, themeans for coupling the crank and the plate carried abutment elementcomprising a roller member carried by the crank for engagement againstthe said element, the said means for effecting reverse sliding movementof the movable plate comprising a pawl pivotally mounted upon saidmovable plate in spaced relation with the abutment member, and in thepath of movement of said roller, and spring means urging oscillation ofthe pawl to a predetermined position and permitting swinging of the pawlin one direction.

11. A rotary drive wheel type can opener according to claim 1, whereinthe body has a substantially vertical elongate opening for the extensionof the shaft therethrough, the said connection between the movable plateand the shaft comprising an elongate plate member disposed on the sideof the body adjacent to the cutter and pivotally attached to the bodyfor oscillation, the plate member having a portion extending across saidvertical opening and supporting the shaft, the said connection betweenthe movable plate and body comprising a pivot pin secured in the bodyrearwardly of the vertical opening and at an elevation above the latter,said movable plate having an elliptical opening through which the pivotpin passes, the body having an arcuate slot therein concentric with thepivot pin and covered by the movable plate, a roller carried by themovable plate and engaged in said arcuate slot, and means connecting theroller with the plate member whereby swinging movement of the movableplate will effect oscillation of the plate member.

12. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the said means forcoupling the crank and the movable plate carried member comprises aneccentric secured to the shaft and supported thereby for turningmovement around said shaft, an elongate link member having a strap atone end and encircling the eccentric, said link member at its other endhaving a relatively long slot terminating at the end remote from theeccentric in a downwardly directed angular portion, said plate carriedmember bein slidably engaged in the slot of the link member, and afriction element encircling the eccentric between the crank and saideccentric strap and forming a frictional connection between theeccentric strap and crank.

13. A rotary drive wheel type can opener according to claim 1, whereinthe body has a substantially vertical elongate opening for the extensionof the shaft therethrough, the said connection between the movable plateand the shaft 7 comprising an elongate plate member disposed on the sideof the body adjacent to the cutter and pivotally attached to the bodyfor oscillation, the plate member having a portion extending across thesaid vertical opening and supporting the shaft, the said connectionbetween the movable plate and the body comprising a pivot pin carried bythe movable plate and extending through a second elongate opening whichis disposed upon the opposite side of the pivot for said plate memberfrom the first opening, said movable plate having an arcuate guide slotin a portion thereof lying rearwardly from the said second opening, anda guide means carried by the body and. having sliding engagement in saidguide slot.

14. The invention according to claim 13, wherein the said means forcoupling the crank and the movable plate carried member comprises aneccentric secured to the shaft and supported thereby for turnin movementaround said shaft, an elongate link member having a strap at one end andencircling the eccentric, said link member at its other end having arelatively long slot terminating at the end remote from the eccentric ina downwardly directed angular portion, said plate carried member beingslidably engaged in the slot of the link member, and a friction elementencircling the eccentric between the crank and said eccentric strap andforming a frictional connection between the eccentric strap and crank.

ROBERT E. MCLEAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 2,020,580 Schoenberger Nov. 12, 1935 2,070,261 Dazey Feb. 9,1937 2,070,279 Killman Feb. 9, 1937 2,186,668 Curtis Jan. 9, 19402,204,368 Kublin June 11, 1940

